by Abhai Sawkar The love for the game and the constant strive for excellence are the mantra for several cricketers yearning to earn opportunities at center stage. Decision making skills are put to the test, and many have often found a way to forge a path towards the fulfillment of their dreams. Graeme Beghin’s timeline, as of late, has been quite a roller coaster ride. Originally hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Beghin chose to try his luck in New Zealand four years ago, when he came over to watch the World Cup games, which were held in Australia and New Zealand. It wasn’t long before he attracted the interest of the Auckland-based North Shore Cricket Club. The move from South Africa to New Zealand has borne fruit, but reaching the decision to move wasn’t as seemingly clear-cut and easy. However, every road to success involves making compromises at key junctures, and Beghin’s confidence and perseverance have remained intact throughout his relocation and his stay at his adopted home. “In 2015, I first came to New Zealand for an experience that involved playing local club cricket at North Shore Cricket Club and also being part of the ICC Cricket World Cup which was being hosted in Australia and New Zealand,” said Beghin. “I quickly fell in love with the country, my club and my fantastic team. Each summer I returned to NZ to play a greater role at North Shore. At first it was team coach and later cricket manager at the club. The opportunity at the club involved coaching, something I was very passionate about, especially developing cricket at men’s and junior level.” “The journey has always been about following my dreams. This is not always easy and there have been many sacrifices like moving away from family and friends to give this a chance. Many times we are alone while others pursue their own ambitions. However this journey has given me so much. The places I have visited for cricket and the people I have met along the way have given me many special memories which I will always be thankful for.” Cricket has been a passion for Beghin since his childhood. During his early life in South Africa, there were plenty of chances to explore sporting options before finally settling on cricket. For him, it isn’t just a game, it’s a lifestyle and religion. The high level of dedication and interest would eventually pay off. “My love for all sports started at a very young age and I had the chance to play many different sports through school and university. Cricket always took top spot as it was the most difficult game and so success was so much sweeter. The people that played the game were hardworking, disciplined and very talented which inspired me. I believe cricket is a game of life with many disappointments and frustrations but as we grow as people we also grow as players.” “Motivation comes from a deep sense of self belief, love for competition and simple drive to become better,” added Beghin. “Challenges and failures give us the chance to improve and in cricket we earn our success and share it with a team that all play a role in winning games.” Beghin’s initial stint as North Shore’s player-coach would further pave the way for his emergence at club level; the leadership skills were apparent, and by that time it was known that he brings plenty to the table. A great first impression enticed him to play more and more regularly in New Zealand. Two years into his stay at New Zealand earned him a shot at an international competition, the Hong Kong World Sixes, a 5-over tournament that featured eight international teams. The New Zealand team included current and former international players such as Ronnie Hira, Peter Fulton, and Shanan Stewart, to name a few. New Zealand would go on to top the table in their respective group, but would later lose to South Africa in the semifinals. However, a win against Australia in the playoff game ensured that they’d end up in third place. Even though this tournament was relatively low-profile, Beghin did showcase his ability as a hard-hitting top-order batsman. “This was the first tournament after many years with a number of international stars playing on all teams. Our Kiwi side were underdogs and managed to place third overall. It was great fun and an experience to remember.” Consistent performances at club level and the exploits at Hong Kong further strengthened Beghin’s resume, and his patience to eventually receive a chance to enter the New Zealand domestic circuit paid off. After a breakthrough season for North Shore last year, the Auckland Aces were quick to add him to their contract list. “During my second year in NZ and after some significant performances I was included in development games for Auckland. Suddenly the chance to play cricket at the highest level with some of the great players in NZ cricket history at Auckland was possible. Another two or more years in the A side and some good performances with a successful team meant that in the 2018-19 domestic season I was awarded my first state contract.” Beghin’s highlight before finally entering the scene for the Aces was undoubtedly the 2017-18 Auckland T20 Premier League final at Eden Park’s Outer Oval, when North Shore CC faced Howick Pakuranga CC. North Shore batted first, and an imperious century from Beghin (an unbeaten 109 from 65 balls) propped up his side to a respectable 186 for 5 in 20 overs. The game would go down to the wire, and North Shore would come out ahead by 3 runs, thus earning the club T20 trophy. In addition, Beghin topped the run charts for North Shore. As expected, he won the well-deserved NSCC Cricketer of the Year award at the end of the club season. “This has to be the greatest game I have ever played in - a final that had highs and lows, with a dramatic twist and nail-biting finish.” Years of hard work never went unnoticed. As an integral feature of North Shore CC, as both a player and a coach, Beghin would finally be rewarded with plenty of matches across all formats for the Auckland Aces in the recently completed season. As far as consistency is concerned, the debut season for Beghin may not have been the greatest, but it was a solid start which he aims to build on, as and when he receives opportunities in this upcoming season. “My first season was a success in Auckland. I had the chance to play big parts in both the 50-over and 4-day first-class campaigns. There was a lot of learning as I experienced what it takes to be successful at this level. As a batsman we always want more runs and failures are frustrating. However, we have a great team and fantastic coaches that constantly support and encourage us. So the real highlight was my debut first class century in the final game of the season.” Beghin played different roles in the batting lineup - sometimes he opened and other times he was in the middle order. During the Plunket Shield, he may have found it a bit tricky early on, in order to adjust to the higher level of intensity, but the final game was a ceremonious finish to the season. The final first-class fixture for Auckland was an away game against Otago, in Dunedin. Having been forced to follow on after a 236-run deficit after the first innings, it was time to consolidate to force a drawn game. A valiant first-wicket partnership of 193 runs between Beghin and Sean Solia helped keep the Otago bowlers at bay; Beghin would score 140 from 240 - his maiden ton in first-class cricket, hitting 25 boundaries and 2 sixes in the process. It was an innings of resolute defence, peppered with flashes of aggression. The Ford Trophy, New Zealand’s 50-over competition, brought about moderate returns for beghin - 337 runs across 15 games, averaging just a shade below 30. His best score of 69 came during the Eliminator, which Auckland would end up losing to the Wellington Firebirds. Coming in at No. 7, Beghin cobbled a crucial partnership with Robert O’Donnell in the middle order, after a top-order collapse. Despite the ups and downs during the league phase, Beghin demonstrated his abilities to deliver during high-stakes encounters. Having shown plenty of promise in his first full domestic season, the Auckland Aces have reinvested in his talent for this upcoming season - he is one of 16 players in the updated contract list for the 2019-20 domestic season. “The main goals for this season are to prepare well and do my best at every opportunity. I must know the role I need to perform in the team and then play with clarity and confidence. I believe that good performances will follow. The long term goals are simply to play the best cricket I can reach my potential. If that opens the doors to higher honours then that will be brilliant, but at this stage, that is not a focus.” At 29, Beghin is considered a late bloomer when it comes to entering the domestic scene, but it’s never too late to shine. Beghin has shown plenty of potential, both with his skill as an attacking opener as well as a team leader. It’s always a better approach to go one step at a time, and future rewards and opportunities will be incidental. The New Zealand domestic season is set to get underway soon, in about a month’s time. The preparatory pre-season activities are gradually winding down, and it’s time to focus on the real deal. The Auckland Aces boast a strong unit, with a number of international stars as well as talented stars in the making. Beghin’s story has revolved around self-belief, passion, and responsibility. The next task at hand is to prove himself as a consistent domestic performer, and given the standards of New Zealand’s domestic franchise circuit, challenges will be presented. Averaging 31 in his Plunket Shield is definitely a decent start, but Beghin has repeatedly expressed his appetite for runs, runs, and more runs. With Auckland commitments having taken precedence, Beghin’s turnout for North Shore CC may be relatively less frequent, but the experience of managing a cricket club upon arrival, plus nurturing young cricketers at age-group level, has played a vital role in shaping his development and ascendancy to the next level. Focus is the catalyst for the drive to learn, and Beghin’s diligence and strong-minded attitude is the paradigm of what it takes to finally realize aspirations.
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September 2020
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